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Abstract

Background: Mixed-methods research combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to address complex public health questions. However, the characteristics and reporting of mixed-methods public health research conducted in Vietnam remain insufficiently synthesized. This scoping review mapped health domains, methodological designs, integration practices, theoretical or conceptual framework use, and reflexivity reporting in publications from 2020–2025. Methods: The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and was reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched on 23–24 June 2026 using a Population–Concept–Context approach. Eligible publications reported public health research conducted in Vietnam, integrated qualitative and quantitative components, and were published during 2020–2025. Study characteristics, methodological features, reporting completeness, and international coauthorship were charted and summarized descriptively. Results: Of 714 retrieved records, 72 publications were included. Convergent designs predominated (68%). Integration was reported at the interpretation stage alone in 53% of publications and at multiple levels in 40%; triangulation was the most frequently identified integration purpose (76%). Publications covered 19 health domains, with mental health representing the largest individual category (14%). Explicit theoretical or conceptual framework use was identified in 47% of publications under strict classification criteria and 61% when boundary cases were included. International coauthorship was present in 81%. Any reflexivity reporting was identified in 14%, comprising explicit reporting in 8% and partial reporting in 6%. Conclusions: The included literature covered diverse public health topics and predominantly used convergent designs, with frequent international coauthorship. Integration was most commonly reported at interpretation, while theoretical or conceptual framework use varied and reflexivity reporting was uncommon. Clearer documentation of integration and reflexivity, together with transparent criteria for assessing framework use, would strengthen future mixed-methods research and methodological reviews. Keywords: Mixed-methods research; public health; Vietnam; scoping review; methodological integration; reflexivity.